Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says Russia is trying to create an 'impression of a ceasefire' as attacks continue
Share this @internewscast.com

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Sunday of creating a false appearance of honoring an Easter ceasefire, saying Moscow continued to launch attacks after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral temporary truce.

“As of Easter morning, we can say that the Russian army is trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some places, it does not abandon individual attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X.

Despite Putin’s declaration of an Easter ceasefire on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Sunday morning that Ukrainian forces had recorded 59 instances of Russian shelling and five assaults by units along the front line, as well as dozens of drone strikes.

In a later update, Zelenskyy said that despite Ukraine declaring a symmetrical approach to Russian actions, there had been an increase in Russian shelling and drone attacks since 10 a.m (0700 GMT). He said, however, that it was “a good thing, at least, that there were no air raid sirens.”

“In practice, either Putin does not have full control over his army, or the situation proves that in Russia, they have no intention of making a genuine move toward ending the war, and are only interested in favorable PR coverage,” he wrote.

Zelenskyy said that Russia must fully adhere to the ceasefire conditions and reiterated Ukraine’s offer to extend the truce for 30 days, starting midnight Sunday. He said the proposal “remains on the table” and added: “We will act in accordance with the actual situation on the ground.”

Zelenskyy said Saturday night that some areas were quieter since the ceasefire was announced, which he claimed showed Putin to be the “true cause” of the war. “As soon as Putin gave an order to scale back the attacks, the intensity of strikes and killings dropped. The only source of this war and its prolongation is in Russia,” he wrote on X.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that Ukrainian forces launched overnight attacks in the Donetsk region despite the ceasefire, and had sent 48 drones into Russian territory. According to the ministry, there were “dead and wounded among the civilian population,” without giving details. It claimed Russian troops had strictly observed the ceasefire.

Russia-installed officials in the partially occupied Ukrainian region of Kherson also said that Ukrainian forces continued their attacks.

Just hours after announcing the ceasefire, Putin attended an Easter service late Saturday at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour led by Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church and a vocal supporter of Putin and the war in Ukraine.

According to the Kremlin, the ceasefire will last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday to midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.

Putin offered no details on how the ceasefire would be monitored or whether it would cover airstrikes or ongoing ground battles that rage around the clock.

His announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are “coming to a head” and insisted that neither side is “playing” him in his push to end the grinding three-year war.

___

Morton reported from London.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Putin's freezing campaign backfires spectacularly -- only hardening Ukrainian resolve 4 years into war

Putin’s Winter Strategy Falters as Ukrainian Resolve Strengthens in Ongoing Conflict

KYIV, Ukraine — As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its…
Being average celebrated in 'Greatest Average American' game show on ABC, hosted by Nate Bargatze

ABC Introduces “Greatest Average American” Game Show with Host Nate Bargatze

NEW YORK — Ever wondered where you stand on the spectrum of…
Watch: Swarm of Agitators Pelt, Injure NYPD With Snowballs, and We Know Exactly Who to Blame

Viral Snowball Clash: NYPD Officers Injured by Protesters Amid Winter Unrest in NYC

The northeastern United States recently endured severe blizzard conditions, blanketing the region…
Narcotics expert reveals slain drug kingpin El Mencho's deadly impact on Americans

Narcotics Specialist Unveils El Mencho’s Dangerous Legacy in the U.S.

A prominent former U.S. narcotics official has revealed that the narco-terrorist leader…
Gavin Newsom staffer has meltdown over reporter's question: 'F--k off'

California Governor’s Aide Sparks Controversy with Profane Outburst at Press Conference

A recent exchange between California Governor Gavin Newsom’s team and a journalist…
Gavin Newsom omits key college baseball facts in new book

Gavin Newsom’s Latest Book Raises Eyebrows with Missing College Baseball Details

Back in 2004, during the San Francisco Giants’ home opener, the team…
'El Mencho' was deported from US multiple times before he became cartel power figure

Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ Faced Multiple U.S. Deportations Before Rising to Power

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, infamously known as “El Mencho,” experienced multiple arrests…
Police find human remains in search for beloved grandfather, 85, kidnapped from his Sydney home

Authorities Discover Human Remains in Search for Missing 85-Year-Old Grandfather Abducted from Sydney Residence

Authorities in Sydney’s north believe they have discovered the body of Chris…
Another California wine giant shuts site and axes staff as chaos rips across Napa Valley

Prominent California Winery Closes Facility and Reduces Workforce Amid Napa Valley Turmoil

California’s wine industry is experiencing a significant shift as another major player…
Missing mom found alive after vanishing 24 years ago

North Carolina Mom Reemerges After 24 Years: Unveiling the Mystery Behind Her Disappearance

A North Carolina woman, who vanished over two decades ago, has been…
NYPD releases photos of snowball-wielding suspects with facial hair after Mamdani claims attackers were 'kids'

NYPD Unveils Images of Bearded Snowball Throwers Following Dispute Over Suspects’ Ages

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has released images in an…
AI skills are in demand, but don't always command pay premiums

Unlocking AI Potential: Why High Demand Doesn’t Guarantee Top Dollar Salaries

As the demand for artificial intelligence expertise grows, employers are still hesitant…